FAQ's
A Dozen Frequently-asked Questions about Starting a Radiotelemetry Project with AVM.
1. Help! I want to use radiotelemetry but I don't know anything about electronics.
No problem. You're not supposed to know anything about electronics. Our literature is all written for biologists. All you need to know is how to read, multiply and divide.
2. What makes AVM different?
Our attention to your needs is what makes AVM different. Our Interactive Design Process assures that you will receive the kind of instrumentation that YOU want, and not just what someone else thinks you should have.
3. What does AVM need to know to start the design?
Tell us about your project and about your study animal. Tell us how long you want the packages to last, tell us about the size of the study animals. Tell us the weights of birds, the neck sizes of mammals, the carapace lengths for chelonians, and the snout-vent length for other herps. Tell us about the range you need and tell us about the study site and its ambient conditions.
4. How can I be sure that the custom applications you send me for my project will work on my study animal?
You can't. That's why if there is any question in our minds, we will send your first unit for your approval before we begin production of the entire order. You will have a chance to examine and test it, before AVM goes into production with the entire order. If there is anything that you would like to see changed, we change it and make you another approval model, incorporating your suggestions and requirements.
5. How do I put a transmitter on a study animal?
There are often many alternatives for application of a transmitter to a study animal, even to animals of the same species. A mouse, for instance, might be instrumented with one of several different types of tiny neck collars, with an abdominal belt, with a transmitter glued to its back or with a peritoneal implant. The best place to put a transmitter on a hawk might be at the base of its tail, but if your study is a long-term one, a standard transmitter may be too heavy for tail mounting; here you may choose to use a backpack, or to change the transmitter to one of our new low current drain units. We will help you deal with considerations like these. AVM has over 30 years of experience in radiotelemetry instrumentation design to share with you.
6. What if I have more time than money?
AVM also produces plain, non-application-housed transmitters that you can hook up yourself. Accessories, components and instructional literature are available from AVM. We will also hold your hand during the process. You can also come to our plant for a no-cost short-course in transmitter hookup and application technology.
7. Does AVM make large collars, too?
Certainly. Although many people associate AVM primarily with the manufacture of ultra-miniature transmitters we manufacture a full line of large mammal collars designed to meet your every need. And just like in our very small applications, we give you lots of choices: choices of collar materials, transmitter encapsulants (metal, molded plastic or conformally-poured plastics or epoxies), as well as all of the range and life specifications of the transmitters themselves.
8. What about frequencies and licensing?
Some agencies, like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have frequency bands allocated to them by the FCC. Some countries have specific frequency bands which all wildlife applications must use. We know if you'll have a licensing or frequency requirement.
9. How much would an entry-level receiving system cost me?
AVM's LA12-Q Receiver and a hand-held antenna can be available for around $900. Interfacing with different antenna systems make it suitable for land, air and water mobile use.
10. How fast can AVM provide equipment for me?
Time for product delivery depends on the season. Four weeks is average, but place your order as soon as you are able, because we get very busy in late winter, spring and summer. If you have an emergency need, be sure to call us. Even if we're fully-booked we can often arrange to get you enough of your equipment to get you started in the field on time.
11. How do I order from AVM?
AVM accepts purchase orders from prequalified educational and government agencies within the USA. AVM also holds a GSA contract for the supply of equipment to all agencies of the U.S. Federal Government, making it easier for our Federal clients to place orders. We also accept the U.S. Government's I.M.P.A.C VISA card, as well as VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards from all other clients.
If you are not associated with such an agency or if you are outside the USA, we require payment to be made before we can begin production. Payment can be made by credit card, by check in U.S. Dollars, or by direct bank transfer into our accounts at Bank of America (San Francisco). Contact us for specific details.
If you know exactly what you want, you may place a purchase order through your purchasing department. If you are unsure of what you need, send us a list of your requirements or phone and ask to speak to a project specialist.
12. Does AVM ship equipment outside the U.S.A.?
Export to countries outside the USA is no problem. For over 3 decades, half of AVM's sales have been made abroad. And that's why we're the Pulse Heard 'Round the World.